Nebraska Basketball: Preview, predictions for Huskers 2018-19 season

Can Nebraska win in key non-conference games?

Nebraska won 22 games last season but they didn’t beat enough good teams to make it into the NCAA tournament. This year, Nebraska has to notch some quality victories before the start of Big Ten play and thankfully, they will have four good chances to do it.

The game tonight won’t qualify, but next Wednesday, Nebraska basketball will host Seton Hall, a team ranked 53rd in the Kenpom rankings. The Pirates are a solid team and beating them would be a good start for Tim Miles squad.

Then, Nebraska will pay a visit to 22nd-ranked Clemson in the Big Ten-ACC challenge Nov. 26. Winning on the road always impresses the committee and the Huskers could prove they are legit by winning at a tough ACC opponent’s home floor.

The non-conference schedule also includes a home tilt with rival Creighton Dec. 4 and a road game against old Big 8 rival Oklahoma State, a game that will take place in Stillwater Dec. 16. At the very least, Nebraska needs two wins against those four teams that all rank in the top 61 right now according to KenPom.

Nebraska will also get plenty of chances in Big Ten play to make a point, with games against Michigan State, Indiana, Purdue, Michigan, Maryland and all the good teams. The league looks a little down, so a winning record will be necessary once again.